We hate to point out the obvious, but summer is already flying by. Luckily there are still plenty of warm days and long nights left, because Washingtonians have a lot to see between June and September. Our state is beautiful in any season, but there are certain destinations that are especially perfect in the summer.
Whether you’ve been to these spots a dozen times or you’ve never seen them in person, consider adding a few to your summer bucket list. When you’re dressing in layers and shivering in your coat in a few months, you’ll be glad you did.
- Mount Rainier National Park
Mick Thompson / Flickr This is one of the most gorgeous parts of the entire country, especially on a sunny day.
- The San Juan Islands
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr Tucked up in the northwest corner of the state, the San Juans seem to stay peaceful and tranquil even during the height of tourist season.
- Leavenworth
Matt Howry / Flickr Leavenworth is such a beautiful sight in the winter when it’s illuminated, snow covered and festive. It’s amazing in the fall when the leaves turn orange and yellow and Oktoberfest festivities kick off. But Washington’s Bavarian city is positively magical in the summer.
- Long Beach
Christopher / Flickr Catch this place on a (somewhat rare) sunny day and you’ll never want to leave.
- Spokane
James Hawley / Flickr This is the perfect time to visit Washington’s second largest city. Not only does Spokane have great restaurants, shops and entertainment options, it’s close to some gorgeous Eastern Washington lakes and campgrounds.
- The Gorge
erocsid / Flickr The days at The Gorge might be hot, but nothing tops experiencing a show there on a warm summer night. If you’re not excited about any of the performances coming up, book a room or a yurt at the nearby Cave B Inn and enjoy the scenery a different way.
- Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
Selbe Lynn / Flickr Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area in the park, and on a clear, sunny day the view goes on for miles.
- Hoh Rainforest
Glenn Scofield Williams / Flickr Washington’s rainforest can sometimes be a few degrees cooler than most of the state, so it’s a good place to go to escape the heat.
- Lake Chelan
amanda / Flickr Yes, it’s crowded. And hot. And sometimes loud. But it’s Lake Chelan, Washington’s quintessential summer spot.
- Goldendale
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Maryhill Museum of Art. Goldendale Observatory State Park. Maryhill Winery. Need we say more?
- Whidbey Island
Pascal Walschots / Flickr Between the charming towns like Langley and Oak Harbor and the scenic beaches, Whidbey Island is a true Washington gem.
- Lake Crescent
Angie Hu / Flickr You’ll find Crescent Lake in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains. The water is so pristine it doesn’t even look real.
- Ocean Shores
Lee Stone / Flickr The photo of this late summer Ocean Shores sunset speaks for itself.
Washington has so many beautiful summer spots, but we easily could have filled this list with nothing but lakes. Here are a few of the best Washington lakes for summer fun.
Mick Thompson / Flickr
This is one of the most gorgeous parts of the entire country, especially on a sunny day.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
Tucked up in the northwest corner of the state, the San Juans seem to stay peaceful and tranquil even during the height of tourist season.
Matt Howry / Flickr
Leavenworth is such a beautiful sight in the winter when it’s illuminated, snow covered and festive. It’s amazing in the fall when the leaves turn orange and yellow and Oktoberfest festivities kick off. But Washington’s Bavarian city is positively magical in the summer.
Christopher / Flickr
Catch this place on a (somewhat rare) sunny day and you’ll never want to leave.
James Hawley / Flickr
This is the perfect time to visit Washington’s second largest city. Not only does Spokane have great restaurants, shops and entertainment options, it’s close to some gorgeous Eastern Washington lakes and campgrounds.
erocsid / Flickr
The days at The Gorge might be hot, but nothing tops experiencing a show there on a warm summer night. If you’re not excited about any of the performances coming up, book a room or a yurt at the nearby Cave B Inn and enjoy the scenery a different way.
Selbe Lynn / Flickr
Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area in the park, and on a clear, sunny day the view goes on for miles.
Glenn Scofield Williams / Flickr
Washington’s rainforest can sometimes be a few degrees cooler than most of the state, so it’s a good place to go to escape the heat.
amanda / Flickr
Yes, it’s crowded. And hot. And sometimes loud. But it’s Lake Chelan, Washington’s quintessential summer spot.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Maryhill Museum of Art. Goldendale Observatory State Park. Maryhill Winery. Need we say more?
Pascal Walschots / Flickr
Between the charming towns like Langley and Oak Harbor and the scenic beaches, Whidbey Island is a true Washington gem.
Angie Hu / Flickr
You’ll find Crescent Lake in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains. The water is so pristine it doesn’t even look real.
Lee Stone / Flickr
The photo of this late summer Ocean Shores sunset speaks for itself.
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